the first beer of 2008

Before I comment on the above, let me say Happy Anniversary to the Patient. One year ago today, January 1, 2007 he began to eat again. I think it was some sort of bland soup, but it was the first food he had taken by mouth in about 2 1/2 months. It seems a strange thing to celebrate, doesn't it? But for someone who loves to eat as much as he did - and still does, although his diet is different - it is worth a New Year's toast.

Now to the first beer of the year. My beach pal Marie and I went down to Dago's for a late morning refresco after a stroll along the malecon to check out all the puestos and the crowds. There are not as many people here as there were last year -- we weren't here but that's the opinion of those who were - and they are not as rowdy. We talked about our New Year's resolutions, among other things. She came up with one: to pause before shooting off her mouth. I came up with four (I live a less pure life than she does, I guess): to eat more veal (trans.: return to France soon); eat more porcini mushrooms (ditto Italy); to stay better informed (read more); and to get au courant (see movies made after 1980 and listen to music later than the Beatles). My friend MAS has a much better list that actually points to her wish to improve her character. Imagine, at our age, wanting to improve your character!! You go girl!